Fire Announce 2012 Team Award Winners

CHICAGO, Ill.(Oct. 27, 2012) – The Chicago Fire Soccer Club announced its annual team awards, as selected by media, Saturday prior to kickoff of the Chicago Fire – D.C. United match at Toyota Park naming forward Chris Rolfe Most Valuable Player and defender Arne Friedrich Defender of the Year. Since returning to the Fire from Danish Superliga side Aalborg BK in April, Rolfe’s eight goals also earned him the club’s Golden Boot award.

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER/GOLDEN BOOT: Chris Rolfe was named the 2012 Chicago Fire Most Valuable Player which is voted on by media. Rolfe was reacquired by the Fire on April 16, 2012 after three seasons with Danish Superliga side Aalborg BK. In 21 games with the Men in Red, Rolfe has also earned the club’s Golden Boot for his eight goals and three assists. The Kettering, Ohio native has two multi-goal games this season with braces in a 3-1 victory against the Philadelphia Union Aug. 12 and a 2-1 victory against the Columbus Crew Sept. 22.

DEFENDER OF THE YEAR: Arne Friedrich was named Fire Defender of the Year, as selected by media members. Having joined the club prior to the 2012 season, the two-time German World Cup veteran has commanded a rock solid Fire defense. Going into the regular season finale against D.C. United, the center back has featured in 22 games for the Men in Red, keeping opponents to 40 goals in 33 games. Friedrich also has one goal to his credit this year, opening his MLS goal scoring account in a 3-1 victory over the Philadelphia Union Aug. 12.